Fluid movement systems including a continuosly variable transmission

ABSTRACT

A system has a pump with a power input, a power source and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power source and to the power input of the pump. The CVT transmits power from the power source to the pump. The CVT comprises a plurality of planetary members in rolling contact with an inner race and an outer race. A radial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Entry under 37 C.F.R. § 371 ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US10/21495, filed on Jan. 20,2010, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/146,603, filed on Jan. 22, 2009, the disclosures of which are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.13/145,863, entitled “Fluid Movement Systems Including a ContinuouslyVariable Transmission,” filed on Oct. 3, 2011, which is assigned to thecurrent assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to fluid movement systems including acontinuously variable transmission.

BACKGROUND

Fluid movement systems can be used in various applications. For example,superchargers can force more air into an engine combustion chamber thanthe engine would typically draw when normally aspirated. As a result, asmaller displacement engine can produce increased power whilemaintaining fuel efficiency when such increased power is not required.Fluid movement systems can also take the form of turbines powered bywind, water, or other fluids. In addition, semiconductor processing andother chemical processing techniques can benefit from vacuum systemsdesigned to achieve relatively low pressures by removing gases or otherfluids from processing or other chambers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated or minimized relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the invention.

Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure areillustrated and described with respect to the drawings presented herein.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of a fluidmovement system;

FIG. 2 includes a cut-away view illustrating another particularembodiment of a fluid movement system;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of acontinuously variable transmission (CVT), such as the CVT illustrated inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a further particular embodiment of anenergy generation system;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an additional particular embodiment ofan energy generation system;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of a vacuumsystem that includes a fluid movement system; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a further particular embodiment of afluid movement system.

The use of the same reference symbols in different figures indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description in combination with the figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainlybe utilized in this application. The teachings can also be utilized inother applications and with several different types of systems andassociated components.

Devices that are in operative communication with one another need not bein continuous communication with each other unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices or programs that are in communicationwith one another may communicate directly or indirectly through one ormore intermediaries.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meantotherwise. For example, when a single device is described herein, morethan one device may be used in place of a single device. Similarly,where more than one device is described herein, a single device may besubstituted for that one device.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, suitablemethods and materials are described below. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety, unless a particular passageis cited. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specificmaterials, processing acts, and circuits are conventional and may befound in textbooks and other sources within the mechanical, chemical andelectrical arts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a fluid movement system102. The fluid movement system 102 can be included within a powergeneration system, such as an internal combustion engine 100 (e.g., agasoline or diesel engine). The fluid movement system 102 includes apump, such as a forced induction system. In one embodiment, the forcedinduction system can include a supercharger, such as the supercharger203 illustrated in FIG. 2, having an output 104. The supercharger 203can also include an air intake portion 206, which may be coupled to acool air intake system 118 or other air intake. In one example, theforced induction system can include a centrifugal supercharger. Inanother example, the forced induction system can include a screw-typesupercharger or a roots supercharger.

In another embodiment, the forced induction system can include aturbocharger. In a further embodiment, the forced induction system caninclude both a supercharger and a turbocharger.

The fluid movement system 102 also includes a power source thattransfers power from the internal combustion engine 100 to the fluidmovement system 102. For example, energy produced from the rotation ofan engine crankshaft 112 is transferred to a drive pulley 108 by thecrankshaft pulley 110. The drive pulley 108 acts as a power source forthe fluid movement system 102 by transferring to the CVT energy that thedrive pulley 108 receives from the engine 100 via the crankshaft pulley110 and drive belt 114. In other examples, the power source thattransfers power from the internal combustion engine 100 to the fluidmovement system 102 can include the drive pulley 108; the crankshaftpulley 110; the engine crankshaft 112, an engine camshaft (not shown);another power source; or any combination thereof.

Further, the fluid movement system 102 includes a continuously variabletransmission (CVT), such as the CVT 202 illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG.3, which transmits power from the power source to the forced inductionsystem. The CVT is coupled to the power source, such as the engine drivepulley 108, and to an input (not shown) of the forced induction system.For example, a shaft 210, such as an input shaft of the CVT 202, can becoupled to the engine drive pulley 108. Another shaft 212, such as anoutput shaft of the CVT 202, can be coupled to the input of thesupercharger 203. In one embodiment, another apparatus 220, such as anepicyclical in the form of a gear assembly or traction drive, may becoupled between the CVT 202 and the supercharger 203, and the othershaft 212 can be coupled to the input of the supercharger 203 via theother apparatus 220. After reading the specification, skilled artisanswill understand that other components (e.g., air filter, mass flowsensors, etc.) may be used in conjunction with the internal combustionengine 100 but are not illustrated to simplify understanding of theconcepts described herein.

The CVT can include various structures and architectures. For example,in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the CVT 202comprises planetary members 214, such as ball bearings, in rollingcontact with an inner race 216 and an outer race 218, such as a controlratio outer race. Output rotation and torque can be provided through acarrier 224, where power flows from the shaft 210 to the carrier 224through the planetary members 214 that orbit the shaft 210. A radialdistance between the planetary members 214 and a drive-transmittingmember, such as the other shaft 212, corresponds to a particulartransmission ratio of the CVT 202. In a particular embodiment, the CVT202 can be a CVT as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,268, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The power transmitted by the CVT 202 to the forced induction system canbe set by changing transmission of power among the inner race 216, outerrace 218, carrier 224 and planetary members 214, relative to each other.For example, an amount of power transmitted by the CVT 202 to the forcedinduction system can be changed by transmitting power from the innerrace 216 to the carrier 224, while the outer race 218 has substantiallyzero rotational velocity. In another example, an amount of powertransmitted by the CVT 202 to the forced induction system can be changedby transmitting power from the outer race 218 to the carrier 224, whilethe inner race 216 has substantially zero rotational velocity. In stillanother example, an amount of power transmitted by the CVT 202 to theforced induction system can be changed by transmitting power from theinner race 216 to the outer race 218, while the carrier 224 hassubstantially zero rotational velocity. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that a component of the CVT may change axially despite havinghas substantially zero rotational velocity.

The CVT can be characterized by various gear ratio ranges. In anillustrative, non-limiting example, the CVT can have a gear ratio offrom approximately 0.5:1 to at least approximately 4:1, such as fromapproximately 1:1 to approximately 4:1, from approximately 0.5:1 toapproximately 2.5:1, or from approximately 1:1 to approximately 2.5:1.Other gear ratios are possible, including gear ratios greater than 4:1,such as 15:1 or greater. In one embodiment, the CVT can include a ratiochange mechanism, such as the ratio change lever 222 illustrated in FIG.3, that tunes the transmission ratio to match the air output of theforced induction system to an engine condition, such as a manifoldpressure, by changing the relative geometry of the CVT components 214,216 and 218. The ratio change mechanism can be electrical, hydraulic,mechanical, or any combination thereof.

In an illustrative embodiment, the CVT can increase or reduce powertransmitted to the input of the forced induction system in response toair pressure at an intake manifold 116 of the engine 100. For example,the control electronics (not illustrated) can communicate with apressure sensor (not shown) that senses the manifold pressure. Thecontrol electronics can generate an appropriate signal so that the CVTcan reduce power transmitted to the forced induction system when thepressure sensor senses that the manifold pressure is above a threshold,such as a maximum desired pressure, and increase power transmitted tothe forced induction system when the pressure sensor senses that themanifold pressure is below another threshold, such as a minimum desiredpressure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an output 104 of the forced induction systemis coupled to an air intake of the internal combustion engine 100, suchas an input 106 of the intake manifold 116. The forced induction systemboosts the manifold pressure in response to power received from the CVT,by forcing more air from the input 206 of the force induction systeminto the engine 100 via the output 104, than typically moved into theengine 100 by normal aspiration of the engine. In one embodiment, theforced induction system can boost the manifold pressure by at leastapproximately 41,000 Pascal gauge (6 pounds force/inch2 gauge or psig).In another embodiment, the forced induction system boosts the manifoldpressure by at least approximately 62,000 Pascal gauge (9 psig). In yetanother embodiment, the forced induction system can include both aturbocharger and a supercharger and can boost the manifold pressure by atotal of at least approximately 206,000 Pascal gauge (30 psig).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other continuously variabletransmission architectures may be used with other systems. For instance,the CVT can be combined with an epicyclical gearbox to effectivelyprovide an infinitely variable transmission (IVT). In another example,rotatable power elements can be coupled to the inner race, the outerrace, the carrier, or any combination thereof, such that two or moredevices can be driven by the CVT. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a rotatablepower element 712 coupled to the CVT outer race 706 can be connected toand driven by the engine 702 (e.g., via an engine drive pulley), whileanother rotatable power element 716 coupled to the CVT carrier 710 isconnected to and drives an alternator 704, and an additional rotatablepower element 714 coupled to the CVT inner race 708 is connected to anddrives the supercharger 703.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further particular embodiment of an energygeneration system 400, such as a horizontal turbine system. The system400 includes a blade 402 coupled to a rotor 403. The blade 402 causesthe rotor 403 to rotate about an axis 408 when fluid, such as air orwater (e.g., wind, rain, or tide), exerts a force on the blade 402. Acontinuously variable transmission (CVT) 404 is also coupled to therotor 403. An electrical power generator, such as the alternator 406, iscoupled to the CVT 404 via another rotor 405. The CVT 404 transmitspower from the rotor 403 to the other rotor 405.

For example, the blade 402 may cause the rotor 403 to turn at a rate offrom 10-25 revolutions per minute (rpm) in response to wind or anotherfluid exerting a continuous or non-continuous force on the blade 402.The CVT 404 converts the rotation of the rotor 403 into power thatcauses the other rotor 405 to rotate at a speed sufficient to cause thealternator 406 to produce an electrical current. In an illustrativeembodiment, the alternator 406 may require that the other rotor 405rotate at a speed of at least approximately 40,000 rpm. The CVT 404alters its transmission ratio to transmit power sufficient to cause theother rotor 405 to rotate at a speed of at least 40,000 rpm. As thespeed of the rotor 403 decreases, for instance, the CVT 404 transmissionratio can increase, and vice versa. The CVT 404 may also be beneficialduring storms when winds or tides are high and during periods ofrelatively calm conditions. The CVT 404 may be used to adjust forvariations in the velocity of the fluid flowing near the fluid movementsystem, rather than adjusting a blade pitch or other portion of thesystem.

FIG. 5 illustrates an additional particular embodiment of a fluidmovement system 500, such as a vertical turbine system. The system 500includes a blade 502 coupled to a rotor 503. The blade 502 causes therotor 503 to rotate about an axis 508 when fluid, such as air or water(e.g., wind, rain, or tide), exerts a force on the blade 502. Acontinuously variable transmission (CVT) 504 is also coupled to therotor 503. An electrical power generator, such as the alternator 506, iscoupled to the CVT 504 via another rotor 505. The CVT 504 transmitspower from the rotor 503 to the other rotor 505. For example, the CVT504 converts the rotation of the rotor 503 into power that causes theother rotor 505 to rotate at a speed sufficient to cause the alternator506 to produce an electrical current.

FIG. 6 illustrates a particular embodiment of a low-pressure processingsystem 600 that includes a fluid movement system. The low-pressureprocessing system 600 includes a processing chamber 602, such as achemical or physical vapor deposition chamber, dry etch chamber, etc.),communicating with a vacuum pump 612 via a throttle valve 610. Thelow-pressure processing system 600 also includes a throttle valve 610and a supercharger 604, such as a roots-type supercharger or othersupercharger, coupled between the processing chamber 602 and the vacuumpump 612. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the throttle valve610 lies upstream (closer to the processing chamber 602) of thesupercharger 604. In another embodiment (not illustrated), thepositional relationship of the throttle valve 610 and supercharger 604can be reversed (supercharger 604 upstream of the throttle valve 610).In addition, the low-pressure processing system 600 includes acontinuously variable transmission (CVT) 606 coupled between thesupercharger and a power source 608, such as an electric motor oranother power source. The CVT 606 transmits power from the power source608 to the supercharger 604 in a ration that corresponds to a pressurein the processing chamber 602. After reading the specification, skilledartisans will understand that other components (e.g., cold trap,particulate filter, isolation valves, gas feed lines, showerhead orother gas distributor with the processing chamber 602, etc.) may be usedin conjunction with the processing system 600 but are not illustrated tosimplify understanding of the concepts described herein.

In an illustrative embodiment, the CVT 606 can include an input shaftand an output shaft. The power source 608 causes the input shaft of theCVT 606 to rotate at a particular rate, and the CVT 606 causes theoutput shaft to rotate at another rate when the input shaft rotates atthe particular rate. Rotation of the output shaft at the other ratedraws a gas from the processing chamber at a flow rate. Gas exiting theprocessing chamber 602 at the flow rate causes a substantially constantpressure to be maintained within the processing chamber 602. Forinstance, a pressure in a range of approximately 50 mT to approximately500 mT can be maintained within the processing chamber 602.

In a particular embodiment, control electronics (not illustrated) cancommunicate with a pressure switch 616 and a pressure sensor 614 thatmeasures pressure in the processing chamber 602. When a pressure reachesa predetermined value, the pressure switch 616 can send a signal to thepower source 608, the control electronics, or both. In response to apressure reading from the pressure sensor, the control electronics cansend a signal to the CVT 606 to transmit more power or less power to thesupercharger 604, thereby drawing more or less gas from the processingchamber 602, respectively. For instance, if a pressure reading exceeds athreshold, such as a maximum desired pressure, the CVT 606 can transmitmore power to the supercharger 604; whereas, if a pressure reading isbelow another threshold, such as a minimum desired pressure, the CVT 606can transmit less power to the supercharger 604.

In a particular embodiment, an optional parallel fluid path (notillustrated) can allow gas to flow through the parallel fluid path untila first pressure is reached during initial evacuation of the processingchamber 602. For example, the vacuum pump 612 may be used to achieve apressure at least as low as approximately 1000 mT. After the pressure is1000 mT, the pressure switch 616 can be activated (or deactivated,depending on the logic signals used), which can cause the power source608 to become activated and allow a fluid path to go through thesupercharger 604. Thus, the supercharger 604, CVT 606, and power source608 can be activated to reach an even lower pressure. The pressure maybe taken to 100 mT or less using the supercharger 604 and vacuum pump212. After a leak check is performed, a vapor deposition or dry etch canbe performed. In a particular embodiment, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)can be used to deposit a layer of SiO2. During the decomposition of TEOSor reaction with oxygen, the number of moles of gas produced from thedeposition or reaction is larger than the number of moles of gasreactants. Thus, the supercharger 604 can help to keep the pressurewithin the processing chamber more constant (closer to a desiredsetpoint) than if the vacuum pump 612 alone (i.e., without thesupercharger 604) would be used.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the use of the CVT 606 with thesupercharger 604 may allow the throttle valve 610 to be eliminated. In aparticular embodiment, the power source 608 can provide a substantiallyconstant amount of power when the power source 608 is activated. The CVT606 can be used to change the rate at which the supercharger 604 isoperating. For example, if the pressure sensor 614 is sensing that thepressure within the processing chamber 602 is too high, the controlelectronics can send a signal to the CVT 606 to change the gear ratio tocause the input shaft of the supercharger 608 to rotate at a higherrate, and if the pressure sensor 614 is sensing that the pressure withinthe processing chamber 602 is too low, the control electronics can senda signal to the CVT 606 to change the gear ratio to cause the inputshaft of the supercharger 608 to rotate at a slower rate. Thus, arelatively constant power source can be used with a CVT that varies therotational rate of the output shaft from the CVT.

In accordance with the various embodiments herein, a CVT coupled to apump system is provided. The pump system can include any system thatmoves, draws, elevates, pulls, drives, exhausts, or compresses a gas orother fluid. Pump systems can include, for example, compressors (such assuperchargers or other forced induction systems), airplane propellers,windmills, and other pump systems. In some embodiments, the pump cangenerate power or energy in response to movement of the fluid. Forexample, fluidic turbines, water turbines, and electric windmills cangenerate electrical power in response to air, water, or another fluidcontacting a blade, vane or other surface that transmits energy to arotor coupled to a CVT.

After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatthe embodiments described herein illustrate only a few embodiments wherea CVT can be used in conjunction with a fluid motion system. The powersource to the CVT can be substantially constant or variable, and the CVTcan be used to produce a substantially constant or variable output.Thus, the concepts described herein are flexible and can be adapted to avariety of different applications.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of thoseaspects and embodiments are described below. After reading thisspecification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects andembodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of thepresent invention.

According to a first aspect, a fluid movement system can include a pumphaving a power input. The fluid movement system can also include a powersource and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to thepower source and to the input of the pump. The CVT can be adapted totransmit power from the power source to the pump. In one embodiment, theCVT can comprise a plurality of planetary members in rolling contactwith an inner race and an outer race, where a radial distance betweenthe planetary members and a drive-transmitting member corresponds to atransmission ratio of the CVT.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the pump comprises a forcedinduction system, such as a turbocharger or supercharger. Thesupercharger can be a centrifugal supercharger.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the CVT can be adapted tochange the power transmitted to the pump by transmitting the power fromthe inner race to the carrier while holding the outer race atsubstantially zero rotational velocity. In an alternative embodiment ofthe first aspect, the CVT can be adapted to change the power transmittedto the pump by transmitting the power from the outer race to the carrierwhile holding the inner race at substantially zero rotational velocity.In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the CVT includes acarrier, and wherein the CVT is adapted to change the power transmittedto the pump by transmitting the power from the inner race to the outerrace while holding the carrier at substantially zero rotationalvelocity.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the CVT includes a ratiochange mechanism that is electrical, hydraulic or mechanical. In stillanother embodiment of the first aspect, the fluid movement systemincludes a pressure sensor adapted to sense a manifold pressure. The CVTis adapted to reduce power transmitted to the forced induction systemwhen the pressure sensor senses that the manifold pressure is above afirst threshold and to increase power transmitted to the forcedinduction system when the pressure sensor senses that the manifoldpressure is below a second threshold.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect, the power source caninclude an engine crankshaft, a crankshaft pulley, or a combinationthereof. In another embodiment of the first aspect, the power source caninclude an engine drive pulley.

In still another embodiment of the first aspect, the CVT includes aninner race, an outer race, and a carrier. Each of the inner race, theouter race, the carrier, or any combination thereof, is coupled to oneof a plurality of rotatable power elements. In one example, the outerrace is coupled to the power source via a first rotatable power element,the carrier is coupled to an alternator via a second rotatable powerelement, and the inner raced is coupled to the pump via a thirdrotatable power element.

According to a second aspect, a fluid movement system can include asurface coupled to a first rotor and a continuously variabletransmission (CVT) coupled to the first rotor. The surface is adapted totransmit energy to the first rotor when a fluid contacts the surface.The fluid movement system also includes an electrical power generatorhaving a second rotor, the second rotor coupled to the CVT. The CVT isadapted to transmit power from the first rotor to the second rotor.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the surface can include a bladeor a vane. In an additional embodiment of the second aspect, theelectrical power generator comprises an alternator.

According to a third aspect, a fluid movement system includes aprocessing chamber and a vacuum pump. The fluid movement system alsoincludes a supercharger coupled between the processing chamber and thevacuum pump. The fluid movement system also includes a continuouslyvariable transmission (CVT) coupled between the supercharger and a powersource.

In an embodiment of the third aspect, the processing chamber comprises achemical vapor deposition chamber.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the CVT includes an inputshaft and an output shaft. The power source is adapted to cause theinput shaft of the CVT to rotate at a first rate, and the CVT is adaptedto cause the output shaft to rotate at a second rate when the inputshaft rotates at the first rate. Rotation of the output shaft at thesecond rate draws a gas from the processing chamber at a flow rate, andgas exiting the processing chamber at the flow rate causes asubstantially constant pressure to be maintained within the processingchamber. In a further embodiment of the third aspect, the pressure canbe in a range of approximately 50 mT to approximately 500 mT.

In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the supercharger is aroots-type supercharger.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described hereinare intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of thevarious embodiments. The specification and illustrations are notintended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of allof the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use thestructures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure.Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such thata structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change maybe made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly,the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values statedin ranges includes each and every value within that range.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover any andall such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fallwithin the scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extentallowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determinedby the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims andtheir equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by theforegoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for power transmission comprising: apump receiving rotational input power via a power input; a power source;and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the powersource and to the power input of the pump, the CVT transmits power fromthe power source to the pump, and the CVT comprises a plurality ofplanetary members in rolling contact with a rotatable inner race, acarrier and a rotatable outer race, a torque sensitive inclined planesurface integral to the rotatable inner race or the rotatable outerrace, and wherein a radial distance between the planetary members and adrive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio of theCVT, wherein one of the rotatable inner race, the rotatable outer race,or any combination thereof, is coupled to a respective one of aplurality of rotatable power elements, and wherein the rotatable outerrace is coupled to a first power input/output device via a firstrotatable power element of the plurality of rotatable power elements,wherein the first power input/output device is selected from one of thepower source, a power generator or the pump; the carrier is coupled to asecond power input/output device different from the first powerinput/output device via a second rotatable power element of theplurality of rotatable power elements, wherein second power input/outputdevice is selected from one of the power source, the power generator orthe pump; and the rotatable inner race is coupled to a third powerinput/output device different from the first power input/output deviceand different from the second input/output device via a third rotatablepower element of the plurality of rotatable power elements, wherein thethird power input/output device selected from one of the power source,the power generator or the pump.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst power input/output device comprises the power source, the secondpower input/output device comprises the pump, and the third powerinput/output device comprises the power generator.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first power input/output device comprises the powergenerator.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second powerinput/output device comprises the power source and the third powerinput/output device comprises the pump.
 5. The system of claim 3,wherein the second power input/output device comprises the pump and thethird power input/output device comprises the power source.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first power input/output device comprisesthe pump.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second powerinput/output device comprises the power source and the third powerinput/output device comprises the power generator.
 8. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the second power input/output device comprises thepower generator and the third power input/output device comprises thepower source.
 9. A system for power transmission comprising: a pumpreceiving rotational input power via a power input; a power source; anda continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to the power sourceand to the power input of the pump, the CVT transmits power from thepower source to the pump, and the CVT comprises a plurality of planetarymembers in rolling contact with a rotatable inner race, a carrier and arotatable outer race, a torque sensitive inclined plane surface integralto the rotatable inner race or the rotatable outer race, and wherein aradial distance between the planetary members and a drive-transmittingmember corresponds to a transmission ratio of the CVT, wherein one ofthe rotatable inner race, the rotatable outer race, or any combinationthereof, is coupled to a respective one of a plurality of rotatablepower elements, and wherein the rotatable outer race is coupled to afirst power input/output device that is the pump via a first rotatablepower element of the plurality of rotatable power elements, wherein thefirst rotatable power element includes the drive transmitting member;the carrier is coupled to a second power input/output device via asecond rotatable power element of the plurality of rotatable powerelements, wherein the second power input/output device is selected fromone of the power source or a power generator; and the rotatable innerrace is coupled to a third power input/output device different from thesecond power input/output device via a third rotatable power element ofthe plurality of rotatable power elements, wherein the third powerinput/output device is different from the second power input/outputdevice.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second power input/outputdevice comprises the power source.
 11. The system of claim 9, whereinthe second power input/output device comprises the power generator. 12.The system of claim 9, wherein the pump comprises a forced inductionsystem.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the CVT changes the powertransmitted to the pump by transmitting the power from the outer race tothe carrier while holding the inner race at substantially zerorotational velocity.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the CVT changesthe power transmitted to the pump by transmitting the power from theinner race to the carrier while holding the outer race at substantiallyzero rotational velocity.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein powergenerator comprises an alternator.
 16. A system for power transmissioncomprising: a pump receiving rotational input power via a power input; apower source; and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled tothe power source and to the power input of the pump, the CVT transmitspower from the power source to the pump, and the CVT comprises aplurality of planetary members in rolling contact with a rotatable innerrace, a carrier and a rotatable outer race, a torque sensitive inclinedplane surface integral to the rotatable inner race or the rotatableouter race, and wherein a radial distance between the planetary membersand a drive-transmitting member corresponds to a transmission ratio ofthe CVT, wherein one of the rotatable inner race, the rotatable outerrace, or any combination thereof, is coupled to a respective one of aplurality of rotatable power elements, and wherein the rotatable outerrace is coupled to a first power input/output device via a firstrotatable power element of the plurality of rotatable power elements,wherein the first power input/output device is selected from one of thepower source or a power generator; the carrier is coupled to a secondpower input/output device that is the pump via a second rotatable powerelement of the plurality of rotatable power elements, wherein the secondrotatable power element includes the drive transmitting member; and therotatable inner race is coupled to a third power input/output devicedifferent from the first power input/output device via a third rotatablepower element of the plurality of rotatable power elements, wherein thethird power input/output device is different from the first powerinput/output device.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first powerinput/output device comprises the power source.
 18. The system of claim16, wherein the first power input/output device comprises the powergenerator.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the CVT changes the powertransmitted to the pump by transmitting the power from the inner race tothe outer race while holding the carrier at substantially zerorotational velocity.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the CVTincludes a ratio change mechanism, and wherein the ratio changemechanism is electrical, hydraulic or mechanical.
 21. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the power source comprises an engine crankshaft, acrankshaft pulley, or a combination thereof.